Activist News – Peace diplomacy must lead in addressing Chinese warships in Tasman Sea – PAW

February 25, 2025

Source: Peace Action Wellington

Over the past five days, a group of Chinese warships has been travelling
in the Tasman Sea and practicing live fire drills. The NZ Navy and Australian Navy have been deployed to keep watch on the ships’ movements and activities.

“Alarm over the deployment of Chinese warships is a deeply hypocritical reaction and represents a double-standard of impressive height.
Moreover, the Prime Minister’s suggestion that weapons spending will go up is opportunistic and in the service of US imperial aims, not NZ security,” said Valerie Morse of Peace Action Wellington.

“The government is behaving hypocritically: US warships invade and occupy spaces across the globe, enforcing US power and dominance, including directly off the coast of China, something the US itself would never abide by on its own seaboard. Yet not only is there no criticism of the US, there is active participation by the NZDF in the US’s imperial war mongering in places like the Red Sea.”

“By the same token, New Zealand has previously hosted Chinese warships in the ports of Auckland and Wellington.”

“No one should be under an illusion any longer that the US represents a force for good in the world or the upholding of international law and norms. The US has declared war on international law and is using its military to enforce US supremacy with missiles. This actively undermines New Zealand security.”

“At the same time, the Chinese state is an authoritarian nightmare with an aggressive plan for military spending and zero regard for human rights. The experiences in Hong Kong and Xinjiang should be evidence for how much respect China has for basic rights and freedoms.”

“This is why the response of the New Zealand government should not be to play into the US’s anti-China rhetoric but instead should be a strong voice for peace, diplomacy and disarmament. It is critically important that New Zealand ends participation in dangerous and counterproductive US military activities including active deployments in the Middle East, space launches, training and through the Five Eyes intelligence agencies. Now is the time for a foreign policy that actually puts people and planet first, not weapons companies and US capitalists.”

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Business Appointments – Raine & Horne beefs up executive team in New Zealand with the appointment of James Shepherd

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: Raine & Horne

Highlights

Raine & Horne appoints James Shepherd as Supervision and Compliance Manager for New Zealand, bringing almost 16 years of industry experience to support the super brand’s rapid expansion.
Mr Shepherd is excited about the company’s growth in New Zealand and is eager to unlock further potential and streamline processes for improved sales and compliance.
Looking ahead for 2025, Mr Shepherd predicts steady market conditions across New Zealand, offering opportunities for savvy buyers and vendors, particularly for downsizing.

Christchurch, NZ (25 February 2025) One of Australasia’s fastest-growing real estate networks Raine & Horne has scored a major executive coup with Mr James Shepherd’s appointment as Supervision and Compliance Manager for New Zealand.

Mr Shepherd, who began his real estate career in 2009 after transitioning from the machinery and construction sector, has almost 16 years of experience working with two major real estate networks.

Besides his compliance role, Mr Shepherd will also assume general management responsibilities for the rapidly growing brand. Raine & Horne has quickly grown its footprint in New Zealand, with over 70 offices since launching in April 2023.

Mr Angus Raine, Executive Chairman of Raine & Horne, is thrilled to welcome Mr Shepherd to the team. He believes his extensive background in office ownership, management, and sales will be invaluable.

“James is a major asset for our business as we expand across New Zealand. He has a strong background in office ownership and management, sales management, and a wealth of recent sales experience in the Christchurch region,” said Mr Raine.

“With his extensive background, he will be responsible for supporting our existing offices and sales agents and helping to grow the office network. His role will, of course, also strongly focus on our compliance framework.”

Amplifying rapid growth for Raine & Horne’s offices, sales agents and brand

Mr Shepherd said he is excited to join Raine & Horne at this point in its growth curve in New Zealand.

“The impressive growth the brand has experienced over the past 18 months, particularly after the acquisitions in 2024, shows a strong upward trajectory,” he said.

“Our new offices want to grow their businesses and are embracing Raine & Horne’s systems and processes, and there’s massive potential for them to expand. I’m excited that I’ll be helping them to unlock this potential.”

Mr Shepherd noted that one exciting opportunity for real estate businesses in New Zealand is the chance to streamline administrative processes and navigate complex regulations more efficiently.

“With my deep understanding of compliance issues, I’m confident I can help streamline the process and free up salespeople to focus on what matters – selling their vendor’s properties.”

Having worked with two of New Zealand’s major real estate brands, Mr Shepherd is excited to be part of a company pushing beyond the status quo.

“Raine & Horne’s unique edge is our advanced technology, and I am eager to drive awareness of our ecosystem of technology firsts throughout New Zealand, particularly the first-to-market AI-powered social media marketing platform, Amplify.”

Mr Shepherd also sees tremendous potential for Raine & Horne’s rural real estate division in New Zealand, drawing from his extensive rural background in farming before his stint in construction.

“New Zealand has a deep connection to rural life, so I see excellent opportunities for Raine & Horne Rural in New Zealand,” he said.

Steady market conditions expected in 2025

Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025, Mr Shepherd believes vendors and buyers can expect a steady year. “While there are still some economic challenges to navigate, I expect the residential property market to remain steady and gradually build momentum.

“It won’t be a year for price surges, but this also means 2025 will be an excellent year for those ready to make moves,” he adds.

“If you’ve got your finances in order, 2025 could be the year to jump in, while conditions remain stable.”

Mr Shepherd also sees a strong opportunity for those considering a move. Despite increased stock levels, the highest seen in a decade, he envisages the potential for better prices in 2025 than the past couple of years.

Finally, Mr Shepherd is excited about the future with Raine & Horne, saying, “I’m thrilled about the opportunities ahead. I’m eager to dive in, visit the offices, meet the teams, and help build the future of this exciting business.”

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Chinese live fire: a wake-up call for NZ’s investment priorities

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: ACT Party

“Chinese war ships engaging in live fire in the Tasman Sea ought to be a wake-up call for our investment priorities,” says ACT Defence spokesperson Mark Cameron.

“We have been taking the so-called benign strategic environment for granted, but the rule of history is that big fish eat the little fish. New Zealand needs to wake up, get together with its mates, and up our defensive capability – fast.

“Lifting investment in Defence is a matter of security, but also of prosperity. Our fisheries, sea mining, trade routes, and Exclusive Economic Zone hold untold economic value, and any serious strategy to grow the economy will rely on our continued control of these assets.

“Prior to the election, ACT campaigned on increasing defence spending to 1.5% of GDP, or $4.35 billion over four years, with a long-term target of reaching 2% by 2030.

“Australia’s defence spending has already surged above 2%, heading to 2.4% by the end of the decade. We need to do our part and work with our friends to effectively direct our investment, so that we can be taken seriously as an ally worth defending.

“Crucially, ACT is open to debate around tough trade-offs in spending and investment to make a Defence boost possible.

“This morning, the New Zealand Initiative released a report valuing the government’s existing assets at $571 billion. It raises some interesting questions. Does it make more sense for the government to own a television station, or a P8 Poseidon? Should we keep a 51% share in a power company, or get our hands on some more frigates?

“ACT would argue it’s time to pull money out of the nice-to-haves, and invest in the men and women who protect our livelihoods.”

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Greens stand in solidarity with mana whenua of Lake Rotokākahi

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: Green Party

The Green Party supports the peaceful occupation at Lake Rotokākahi and are calling for the controversial sewerage project on the lake to be stopped until the Environment Court has made a decision.

“We stand in solidarity with the peaceful Lake Rotokākahi resistance and are calling for a stop to all works. For too long Māori land has been confiscated, corrupted and condemned to degradation,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Māori Development Hūhana Lyndon.

“As tangata whenua, we should be empowered to look after the lands our tūpuna have cared for across generations. This is something that would benefit us all.

“Lake Rotokākahi is a wāhi tapu, a sacred site for Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tumatawera, as it is a resting place for their tūpuna who died in the 1886 eruption of Tarawera maunga. The path of the sewerage pipeline past Lake Rotokākahi puts the sacred lake at risk of environmental damage and the desecration of this wāhi tapu.

“Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tumatawera have consistently opposed the council bringing the sewerage pipe through their wāhi tapu. For over a year, there have been protests, a hīkoi, and occupation led by mana whenua. It is abhorrent that this is what mana whenua have been met with.

“Works must stop until the Environment Court has been given the opportunity to assess this project.

“Our institutions and the legislation that supports them contribute to the entrenchment of colonisation through the constant and consistent taking of Māori land. Whether it be the Resource Management Act, Public Works Act or now Fast Track, the rules that govern the use of land are failing to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, failing Māori and are failing the environment we all depend on,” says Hūhana Lyndon.

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All eyes on the Eastern Bay of Plenty

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Over the past few weeks Eastern Bay of Plenty highways have been a hive of activity with crews busy resurfacing State Highway 2 (SH2) in the Waioweka Gorge (and carrying out other general maintenance work) which is due to be completed on Wednesday 26 February.

There is more work to come around the region, ensuring the network is resilient and safe for everyone.

Here’s a look at what’s happening:

SH35 Roundabout Ōpōtiki

Once the Waioweka Gorge work is complete, crews will move to the Ōpōtiki township to resurface the roundabout on State Highway 35 (SH35). From Wednesday 26 to Friday 28 February, between 8am and 4pm each day, the road will be closed at the St John and Elliot Street roundabout, with a detour available for all vehicles via King Street and Goring Street. There will be temporary traffic management in place while the work is taking place.

SH2 Matatā

From Friday 28 February for 4 days, a new chipseal surface will be laid on SH2 between Western Close and Manawahē Road in Matatā. This work will take place during the day, between 9am and 4pm, with stop/go traffic management and a reduced speed limit in place. Traffic management will remain until after the work has been completed to allow for the chipseal to be embedded into the road surface.

SH2 Waimana Gorge

From Monday 3 to Friday 7 March the Waimana Gorge will be closed from 10am to 6pm each day. Crews will be laying a new asphalt road surface and completing maintenance activities. Outside of work hours there will be temporary traffic management in place with a reduced speed limited until the new surface has been line marked.

While the road is closed there’s a 12-minute detour for light vehicles and trucks below the HPMV status, via Tāneatua Road, Valley Road, right to Ōhope Road to Pōhutukawa Ave through to Wainui Road then left to SH2. There is no suitable detour for HPMV vehicles. HPMV’s are advised to travel outside of these times.

By closing the Waimana Gorge completely for this time contractors can complete the work more efficiently and safely.

At the SH2 and Wainui road intersection service relocation works are underway near Kutarere west of Ōpōtiki. Shoulder closures will be in place and road users should be aware there may be 3-way stop/go traffic management operating at the intersection during this time. 

Work schedule

SH2 Waioweka Gorge, resurfacing and general maintenance – complete 26 February
SH35 roundabout Ōpōtiki, resurfacing – 26 to 28 February
SH2 Matatā, chipsealing – 28 February to 3 March
SH2 Waimana Gorge, resurfacing – 3 to 7 March

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Smoother path for Great Rides

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Cycling our Great Rides is about to get a whole lot smoother, with a $9 million Government boost for infrastructure upgrades and replacements, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced.

“Together, the 23 Great Rides receive about a million visitors a year, of whom around 20 per cent are international visitors,” Louise Upston says.

“With those numbers expected to continue growing, maintaining and improving these trails is a must, so visitors can keep enjoying the unique experience of pedalling through New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes.

“We know some of the Great Rides trails need work so the first priority will be addressing issues such as improving design and resilience, making them better able to cope with rider numbers and extreme weather.

“I’m excited to announce this investment and am looking forward to seeing local communities welcome more visitors to experience everything they have to offer.

“This initiative builds on the Government’s commitment to tourism. The sector is a crucial part of our focus on economic growth, with domestic and international tourism expenditure at almost $38 billion and supporting nearly 200,000 jobs.

“Already this month we’ve announced:

$500,000 for marketing New Zealand as the ‘go now’ destination for Australians
$30 million to support conservation tourism
$3 million for regional tourism initiatives.

“Investment in tourism has overwhelming support from Kiwis – 93 per cent of New Zealanders surveyed last year agreed that tourism is good for the country.

“This is a year of opportunity. 2025 is our chance to reinforce the value of tourism to a humming, vibrant country, where we welcome anyone, from anywhere, anytime,” Louise Upston says.

Today’s announcement came in Queenstown, where Minister Upston attended the opening of the Hugo Tunnel on the separately funded Shotover Gorge Trail. Once opened, this trail will link Frankton to Arthurs Point to provide a spectacular off-road journey along the Shotover River.

The two years of funding is available through the Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund and applications open on 31 March.

This is a contestable funding round and applicants will be expected to fund 25-50 per cent of the total project cost.

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Advocacy – Over 150 police storm peaceful protection of Lake Rotokākahi

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: Protect Rotokākahi

Over 150 police storm peaceful protection of Lake Rotokākahi

On Monday at 8pm, over 150 police officers arrived at Lake Rotokākahi, where members of Tūhourangi, Tūmatawera Hapū and their supporters have been holding space with the goal of protecting this wāhi tapu (sacred site).

Reports on the ground suggest several arrests have been made.

Rotokākahi has been a site of controversy due to the Rotorua Lakes District Council’s planned Tarawera Sewerage Scheme. This scheme places a sewer line through a sacred site where over 100 tūpuna perished during the Lake Tarawera eruption of 1886.

Mana i te whenua have disputed this decision since it was announced, and have taken several avenues to oppose it – including filing against the council in the Environment Court.

This police escalation occurs during the same week as Te Matatini, a time where the public’s eyes and attention are focused on celebrating kapa haka from around Aotearoa.

Waiata such as “Ngā iwi e” and “Rua Kenana” have been heard from livestreams taken at Rotokākahi tonight, with the sight of rows of police facing the singers.

Protectors have been peacefully and legally holding space at Rotokākahi since August of 2024. Their numbers recently swelled after mana i te whenua invited the nation to join them in their peaceful noho whenua to protect Rotokākahi.

The Protect Rotokākahi Instagram states in a call-to-action for its supporters:

“This is a tohu that the desecration of Māori land will come with its own private protectors, paid for with your money.”

“We need to protect this. We need you here.”

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Results – Port Marlborough reports strong half year performance for 2025

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: Port Marlborough

Port Marlborough has filed its Half Year Report for the first half of the 2025 financial year, highlighting positive progress across its key focus areas: people, planet, prosperity, and partnerships.

The port continues to invest in workforce capability, with new marine cadetships, internal promotions, and leadership development programmes supporting career progression and workplace culture. Critical risk and fatigue risk management measures have been implemented, and the port’s strong focus on the Hauora (Health, Safety and Wellbeing) of all people in its workplaces remains a priority.

Environmental progress has also been a standout, with Marlborough Sounds Marinas becoming the first in New Zealand to achieve International Clean Marina accreditation, recognising high standards in marine biosecurity and environmental management. Across operations, 82% of waste has been diverted from landfill, and habitat restoration efforts continue, with thousands of native plants established in key areas.

Revenue has increased by 13% compared to the same period last year, driven by strong trade performance and increased uptake of berthage at Waikawa North West Marina. Forestry trade has grown by 18%, supported by the completion of the South Island’s first on-port debarking facility, in partnership with Pedersen Group and C3.

Port Marlborough Chief Executive Rhys Welbourn said the results reflect the company’s focus on sustainable growth and long-term investment.

“These results show the benefits of our continued investment in infrastructure, environmental initiatives, and workforce capability. We are seeing strong performance across key trade areas, our marinas remain in high demand, and our sustainability initiatives are delivering measurable outcomes. The International Clean Marina accreditation is a milestone achievement and highlights how seriously we take the importance of marine biosecurity across our operations.

“As we move into the second half of the financial year, we remain committed to delivering value for Marlborough, supporting and facilitating Marlborough’s key trades, and ensuring that our investment decisions contribute to the long-term success of the region.”

Port Marlborough’s partnerships with industry, iwi, and regional stakeholders remain a key focus, including hosting the launch of the Protect Our Paradise national biosecurity campaign and delivering community sponsorships that support local initiatives.The 2025 Half Year Report can be found here: LINK: https://portmarlborough.co.nz/strong-half-year-performance-for-2025/

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Drug and Alcohol Testing – Recent data indicates an increase in amphetamine-type substances and opioids

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: Botica Butler Raudon

Imperans Q4 Report, State of Workplace Drug Use from TDDA.

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 25 February 2024 – The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand’s largest workplace drug testing provider has released its Q4 2024 workplace drug and alcohol findings.

The Imperans Report provides New Zealand employers with an analysis of drug and alcohol usage trends, combining results from the nation to empower businesses to engage in proactive workplace risk management.

This quarter, 3.99 per cent of the screens conducted by TDDA indicated the presence of drugs. THC (cannabis) continues to be the most prevalent substance detected in workplace drug tests, accounting for 59.1 per cent of cases. Recent data also indicates a sharp increase in amphetamine-type substances and opioids compared to the same quarter last year. This suggests shifting patterns in substance use that requires greater employer awareness and policy reinforcement, especially around non-medical use of pharmaceuticals.

Below are the most prevalent substances detected nationally in TDDA testing:

THC (cannabis): 59.1 per cent (down from 63.8 per cent in Q4 2023)
Amphetamine-type substances (including methamphetamine): 24.4 per cent (up from 18.8 per cent in Q4 2023)
Opioids (including oxycodone): 12.1 per cent (up from 11.9 per cent in Q4 2023)
Benzodiazepines: 3.5 per cent
Cocaine: 1.1 per cent.

“New Zealand workplaces must remain vigilant in addressing substance use. Working under the influence of amphetamines is also a major workplace hazard,” says Glenn Dobson, CEO, TDDA.

“These substances impair vision, cause dizziness, and adversely affect coordination, increasing the risk of serious accidents. In high-risk environments like construction, transport, and manufacturing, impairment can be the difference between a routine workday and a fatal incident.”

“The increase in amphetamine detections a real issue, but opioid detections are what concerns me more. Until now, New Zealand has largely avoided the opioid epidemic seen overseas, so any rise in detection rates is worth examination. As a workplace risk, opioids are at the top. Legally prescribed or illegally procured, they can cause workplace accidents, long-term addiction and lead to the loss of life in more way than one.”

With shifting patterns in substance use, Kiwi employers can benefit from reviewing their testing protocols and support systems to ensure both compliance and workforce well-being. As members of the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) and the California Narcotic Officers Association (CNOA), TDDA closely follows and acts on global drug trends.

TDDA recommends that companies update drug and alcohol policies to include stronger measures addressing opioids and amphetamines, train managers to recognise impairment, particularly the subtle signs of opioid use, and ensure regular and random drug testing to deter misuse and protect workplace safety.

“Employers need to stay ahead of these trends, enforce policies consistently, and provide education to their workforce to prevent harm,” says Dobson. “With the right measures in place, businesses can protect their employees and maintain a safe, productive environment.”

In Q4 2024 tests from 27 sterile clinic locations and over 60 mobile clinics throughout New Zealand were used. All tests were taken between 1 October 2024 and 31 December1. Data is anonymised and aggregated using TDDA’s Imperans system, a bespoke IT platform for testing services, data recording, and reporting.

TDDA drug tests screen for amphetamines; benzodiazepines; cocaine; methamphetamine; opiates and opioids; cannabis; and synthetic drugs like synthetic cannabis.

1 Total figures on testing volumes or testing results by industry and region are commercially sensitive.

Methodology
Testing data from 1 October 2024 and 31 December 2024 is aggregated and anonymised from 27 clinic and 60 mobile clinic operations throughout Australasia. Data from preemployment, post incident, regular and random testing has been combined. Testing methods included urine and oral fluid screening. Data is reported into the TDDA Imperans system, anonymised, and represents a snapshot of drug trends across Australasian workplaces and industries.

About The Drug Detection Agency
The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is a leader in workplace substance testing with more than 300 staff, 90 mobile health clinics, 65 locations throughout Australasia, and processing more than 250,000 tests annually. TDDA was established in 2005 to provide New Zealand and Australian businesses with end-to-end workplace substance testing, education and policy services. TDDA holds ISO17025 accreditation for workplace substance testing in both AU and NZ. Refer to the IANZ and NATA websites for TDDA’s full accreditation details. Learn more about TDDA at https://tdda.com/.

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Health – Mum needing essential heart scan faced life-threatening delays

LiveNews Publisher

February 25, 2025

Source: Kia Manawanui Trust | The Heart of Aotearoa New Zealand

A mum needing an essential heart scan was told she’d have to wait ten months – at the earliest – for an appointment.

Māhina Ngāpō is battling stage three breast cancer and needs an echocardiogram every three months to ensure she can undergo life-saving treatment.

But she was shocked when Wellington Hospital said there was no chance of that – and health experts say her case is all too common.

The Heart of Aotearoa – Kia Manawanui Trust Medical Director Dr Sarah Fairley says Māhina needed to have this scan before her next round of treatment due to the potential long-term risk of harm to her heart.

“I’m pleased we were able to advocate strongly and bring Mahina’s appointment forward, but, sadly, this isn’t always the case.”

Luckily, Māhina’s story has a happy ending – but only after she fought the system alongside a cardiologist to make it happen sooner.

“Honestly, I feel like one of the lucky ones,” Māhina says.

“I couldn’t have started my radiation without having this scan, as my heart showed a small amount of damage at my last scan.

“If I hadn’t been able to start my treatment because of the huge delays in New Zealand to have an echocardiogram, then who knows what that could have meant for me and my whānau?” the 42-year-old says.

“My mindset is that advocating for yourself is the only way you will get the heart services you need, otherwise, you’ll get lost in the system.”

Dr Fairley says the waitlist for a heart scan (echocardiogram) is out of control.

The waitlist has ballooned to 10 months for a semi-urgent scan in some regions – the acceptable timeframe is 6 to 8 weeks, she says.

“Patients like Māhina would not be put in the position of self-advocacy if we had a fully-staffed and appropriately resourced public healthcare system”.

However, the echocardiogram issue is the tip of the iceberg, she says.

“We are seeing these delays more and more throughout the system.”

The Heart of Aotearoa – Kia Manawanui Trust Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says cases like Māhina’s show the pressure our heart health system is under.

“It’s like Russian roulette with people’s lives because the system is severely underfunded, under-resourced, and under-staffed.

“People shouldn’t have to wait in fear that they might not get an echocardiogram in time, with the very real possibility that they could die on the waitlist,” Ms Harding says.

“That’s why The Heart of Aotearoa – Kia Manawanui Trust was established – to draw attention to the issues we face in the cardiology space.”

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